Jasmine Lodge

I went online and looked for the cheapest room possible in Siem Reap and there I found it, Jasmine Lodge, 3$ for a double room. Of course, I wouldn't mind sharing a bathroom with other travelers, how bad can it be.

Location was fairly good. Our tuk-tuk driver took us there in no time after we were randomly dropped off by our taxi in some random road in Siem Reap. The staff were really nice and friendly. We didn't get to try their food though because everytime we try to order something no one was there to cook so we ate all the time at the nearby japanese hostel instead.

Internet is not free and quite expensive compared to the internet cafe just a few minute walk outside. The room we got wasn't that great, with NO windows and only one fan that barely moved/rotated/swinged? hehe. And the bathroom was the worst of all. Water was very stinky and it wasn't definitely clean. It wasn't really shared with the other guests (as no one but us chose to suffer) but with the staff, and many randoms (tuk-tuk drivers!).

But all in all it wasn't so bad. They have free pool and the common room/restaurant is cosy. I loved talking to the staff who were laughing at me playing a riduculous game of billiards (on which i have mistaken the pink ball as the white one thrice... wait, there is a pink ball right?!). I will stay here again but next time, I'll not mind spending a couple more dollars for a good shower.

We stayed in June 04 so this is outdated as its now 09 but I hope it hasnt changed. Now then, this place is more than the sum of it's parts. The rooms are large and clean. The bathrooms though basic are clean and everything works in there. The guesthouse also has a lovely open sided raised restaraunt where you can get free coffee, breakfast is served and food available all day. There is a beer fridge upstairs as well that you help yourself to and write down what you take in your book (pay at the end of your stay), also upstairs is a tv which shows documentaries on Angkor when requested, as well as a CD player for use by any guests.

The thing that makes Jasmine lodge so special is Mr Kunn, the man is a legend, he speaks 4 or 5 languages, is impartial when it comes to advice on where to go and who to go with, can sort out onward travel arrangements and a whole host of other things. Ask him about his wedding, or Cambodian folk tales. An excellent place.

I got this room for only $4 (discounted) a night inclusive of own toilet and shower. It doesn’t have hot shower though, which you really don’t need since it’s hot enough as it is in Cambodia…
The place is cozy with a pool table upstairs…
…just don’t have your laundry done here; I’ve had 6 whites that will be ashamed to attend their wedding this June—it seemed like they had mud wrestling just before they had detergents (I really thought they washed my clothes in the Cambodian river hehe)… for a dollar a kilo I’d say try them at your own risk.
Overall I would recommend this place; the staff is friendly and the owner Khunn tries his hard to be hospitable with the guests, just be wary of motorbike drivers outside who would charge you double the asking price, and remember to bring down the price down to 50% at the onset of the haggling.